Human Positioning in Close-Encounter Photographs and the Effect on Public Perceptions of Zoo Animals

With the rising popularity of social media, conservation organisations and zoos need to understand its impact on public perceptions of the animals they house and their role in conservation. In addition, many zoos offer close-encounter experiences, and visitors frequently share images from these experiences online. This study measured the effects that viewing such encounter images had on public perceptions of both the zoo and the animals they saw. One of sixteen images was randomly presented to participants in two samples: one of Zoo Community followers and members of Zoos Victoria (n = 963), and a representative sample of the Australian public (n = 1619). Each image featured one of four animals (Eclectus parrot, Kangaroo Island kangaroo, Monteith’s leaf insect, Centralian carpet python) and one of four human positions (human and animal touching, human and animal ~30 cm apart, human and animal ~1 m apart, animal alone). Results indicated that viewing different animals and the different human positions within these human–animal encounter images can affect public perceptions of zoo animals. In particular, the closer the proximity of a human to an animal in an image, the more likely respondents were to think that the animal was not displaying a natural behaviour and the more likely it was for General Public respondents to think that the animal would make a good pet. These findings can be used by zoos, wildlife tourism, and media organisations to ensure that they are sending clear, positive, and intended messages about zoo facilities and animals, as well as providing insights into animal encounter images in wider settings.

Decision-Making Behavior and Risk Perception of Chinese Female Wildlife Tourists

Prior to the global pandemic, wildlife tourism was increasing rapidly globally but was in the early stages of development in China, where it faces great challenges and opportunities. Women comprise a substantial proportion of the market but their decision-making behavior and their perceptions of risk in wildlife tourism have not yet been explored. This paper explores relationships between risk perception and decision-making in tourism. A survey of female tourists was undertaken at non-captive and semi-captive wildlife sites in western China, as well as through internet website posting, resulting in 415 completed questionnaires. Quantitative methods were used to examine four sequential stages of decision-making in wildlife tourism: destination selection, trip itinerary, travel mode and security assurance, and entertainment consumption. Three dimensions of risk perception in wildlife tourism were identified: physical safety, personal comfort, and quality of experience. Decision-making behavior and risk perceptions are related. Perceived risks greatly impact tourists’ travel mode and security assurance decisions. The higher the perceived risk, the greater the likelihood of female tourists participating in decisions on destination selection, travel methods and other entertainment activities undertaken on their wildlife tourism trips. Concerns regarding personal comfort positively influence destination selection, the trip itinerary, and recreation and consumption decisions. Assurance of acquiring a quality experience influences entertainment consumption decisions. The study contributes to the understanding of risk, decision-making behavior and gender research, and confirms the practical importance of safety considerations at wildlife destinations.

Wildlife Tourism Motivation: A Case for Manyeleti Nature Reserve, Mpumalanga

This study explores key motivators of wildlife tourism to Manyeleti Game Reserve, a private nature reserve in Mpumalanga province, South Africa. The primary objective of the study was to establish what motivates tourists to visit privately owned game lodges in Mpumalanga, and Manyeleti game reserve in particular. The intention was to focus on both the supply and demand perspective of wildlife tourism. The Push and Pull theory was adopted to contextualise its applicability on Manyeleti Nature Reserve. This study is quantitative in nature. Structured questionnaires were used through a convenience sample of 400 visitors to Manyeleti Nature Reserve. Exploratory Factor Analysis (EFA) was adopted to identify the fundamental wildlife motivational constructs. Six pull factors were identified as motivators of wildlife tourists (escape, relaxation, social, enriching and learning experiences, novelty, and adventure) as well as four push factors that emerged from the study. Although nature – based parks serve as a key tourist attraction for nature enthusiasts, this study revealed that there is a need for park managers to promote outdoor activities (recreational) and ‘visitors’ learning experiences’ as these were rated highly by the visitors.